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Summer Songs

Posted at 2:43 PM on June 29, 2011 by The Current (89 Comments)

You know what they say. "Hot town, summer in the city." "Summer time is here and the time is right for dancing in the street." "Hey baby, it's the 4th of July." And on and on. Summer's here — we've got the heat in town for the 4th, the BBQs and pools are ready, the escape to the lake and the s'mores and the fishing and the biking and boating... Here's host Mark Wheat on some of his favorite songs of the season:

Kicked off my shift today with "Sunshine" from Atmosphere to celebrate the warmth we have FINALLY gotten here in MN.

That song name checks another of my fave summer jams DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Summertime." Breaking out Chuck Prophet's "Summertime Thing" this afternoon too, that one always evokes such a sublime summer scene.

What are some of your fave summer songs? Tell us a story of how a song has become your soundtrack to July 4th... are there any good fireworks songs?!?

We'll sprinkle some of your choices in the mix along with our big Bob Dylan celebration this weekend!

Happy Holiday Weekend!!

Comments (89)

beck, deadweight

"don't let the sun catch you cryin'!"

Posted by zac | June 29, 2011 4:38 PM

I would like to request my favorite summer song: "Saturday in the Park" by Chicago. This has been a favorite since I was a kid - I used to wait and wait for it to be played on the radio! It even mentions the 4th of July. Thanks!

Posted by Kari Olson | June 29, 2011 4:40 PM

This song doesn't actually mention summer in its lyrics or title, but it was one of the most definitive singles of my 13th summer: "Tahitian Moon" by Porno for Pyros. I'd love to hear it on the Current and mentally retreat to the steamy summer of 1996.

Posted by Adam | June 29, 2011 5:35 PM

"Hot Fun in the Summertime" -Sly and the Family Stone, "Summer Heat" -Unknown Prophets, "Sunshine" -Atmosphere, "Sunny Afternoon" -The Kinks, "Summertime Clothes" -Animal Collective, and "Saints" -The Breeders (always makes me think of the State Fair)

Posted by Rachel Ahrndt | June 29, 2011 9:11 PM

Seven Days in Sunny June- Jamiroquai

Posted by Bryan | June 29, 2011 10:20 PM

Summer doesn't start until I blare "Dani California" -Red Hot Chili Peppers down Hwy 7

Posted by Simon | June 29, 2011 10:22 PM

Anything off of Paul Simon's "Graceland" album. Killer every time, summer after summer.

Posted by Pat | June 29, 2011 10:25 PM

Heavy Metal Drummer and anything by Captain & Tenille

Posted by Sara kerr | June 29, 2011 10:26 PM

Atmosphere's "Get Fly." Ultimate fresh air song.

Posted by Amanda | June 29, 2011 10:33 PM

Celebrated Summer - Husker Du.

Posted by Chris Wheaton | June 29, 2011 10:34 PM

"Make Me Lose Control" by Eric Carmen and "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx. Despite being only about 5 years old at the time, I distinctly recall hearing these songs played over the speakers while swimming at Crystal Pool and will forever associate them with summer.

Posted by Cassie D | June 29, 2011 11:14 PM

In the Summertime - Mungo Jerry

Posted by Cathryn S. | June 29, 2011 11:15 PM

The Decemberists - Summersong
Laura Veirs - Summer is Champion
The National & St. Vincet covering Crooked Finger's - Sleep All Summer

Posted by Kristen | June 29, 2011 11:38 PM

"Mother We Just Can't Get Enough" by the New Radicals!

Posted by Nate | June 29, 2011 11:54 PM

Summertime Rolls - Janes Addiction
Holiday on the Moon - Love and Rockets

Posted by Scott R. | June 30, 2011 12:22 AM

wookiefoot!

Posted by patriq | June 30, 2011 6:42 AM

I second "Saturday in the Park" by Chicago.

Posted by Todd | June 30, 2011 7:04 AM

Steal My Sunshine - Len

In Between Days - The Cure

Posted by wellst | June 30, 2011 8:24 AM

Just heard on The C,,something about "steam punk" did not catch it all,,,anyone got the details....pleeeeease

Posted by Wisheywashey | June 30, 2011 8:45 AM

"Spill The Wine" by Eric Burden & War...followed closely by "Sunshine" by World Party.

Posted by Jeff N | June 30, 2011 8:47 AM

My wish is that you would locate these songs and play them:

"This Summer" - Squeeze
"Summerhouse" - Better Than Ezra

Posted by cal | June 30, 2011 8:54 AM

I wholeheartedly second "Summertime" by The Fresh Prince. I unabashedly love that song.

Posted by derek | June 30, 2011 8:56 AM

I second "Celebrated Summer" by Husker Du, and I'm a sucker for "Summer Trippin" by the Push Kings.

Posted by cathy | June 30, 2011 8:56 AM

I second Summer Time Rolls by Jane's Addiction. Might I also suggest Willie Nelson's Blue Skies.

Posted by e | June 30, 2011 8:58 AM

"Summer In The City" The Lovin' Spoonful"

Posted by BB | June 30, 2011 9:00 AM

"Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince - a third for that. :)

Posted by Jason | June 30, 2011 9:02 AM

Go Outside - Cults

Posted by wellst | June 30, 2011 9:06 AM

America by Simon and Garfunkel

all time fave.

Posted by Linzi | June 30, 2011 9:12 AM

Ain't No Cure for the Summertime Blues

Posted by dtguy | June 30, 2011 9:12 AM

Summer in the City by Regina Spektor
Summer Nights from Grease

Posted by Ruby | June 30, 2011 9:12 AM

"Blister in the Sun": - by Violent Femmes off self-titled album

Posted by dnewby | June 30, 2011 9:13 AM

Summertime Clothes - Animal Collective
Long Hot Summer Night - Jimi Hendrix

and, the ultimate summer song...

Good Day Sunshine - The Beatles

It's impossible to be in a bad mood after hearing that classic.

Posted by Andy | June 30, 2011 9:13 AM

Lazy, Lazy Bastards. tsk tsk. Shame on you.
So u want us to participat eon your lame programming, ok, sure:
Play my favorite Summer tune:
"Jizz in my pants" by Lonely Island
I dare you. Otherwise, play every song out there about drinking beer and pissing in the lake or beach in the Summertime.
yeah.
Lame'os

Posted by roshashana | June 30, 2011 9:15 AM

Cruel Summer - Bananarama
School's Out - Alice Cooper
Summertime - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Surfin' Safari - The Beach Boys
Summer of '69 - Bryan Adams

Posted by Melanie | June 30, 2011 9:15 AM

Summer Babe - Pavement

Posted by dc | June 30, 2011 9:17 AM

"Walking on a Dream" by Empire of the Sun.

Posted by Stephanie | June 30, 2011 9:17 AM

'Asleep on a Sunbeam' - Belle & Sebastian, Dear Catastrophe Waitress

Posted by Marisa Norman | June 30, 2011 9:18 AM

A second for The Breeders - Saints.

Also from The Breeders, Drivin' On 9 - a summer driving tune.

Yo La Tengo - The Summer.

The Motels - One Summer - old school?

XTC - Summer's Caldron/Grass

And seconding Mark Wheat's Atmosphere pick Sunshine and a fourth for Fresh Prince & DJ Jazzy Jeff's cover of Summertime. Lots of stuff out there. :)

Posted by Erik V | June 30, 2011 9:18 AM

ooh, a second for Summer Babe - Pavement

Posted by Erik V | June 30, 2011 9:19 AM

Summer and lightning. ELO

There's always the beach Boys too

Posted by Troy | June 30, 2011 9:21 AM

"The Boys Are Back In Town" -- Thin Lizzy

"That jukebox in the corner blasting out my favorite song
The nights are gettin' warmer it won't be long
It won't be long 'til summer comes
Now that the boys are here again..."

Posted by (JL) | June 30, 2011 9:21 AM

" i hate the summer" - by SixNationStart -

endorsed by the blue eyed/ fair-skinned alliance of North America.

Posted by dnewby | June 30, 2011 9:22 AM

Will Smith - Summertime

If it's not played at the coffee break, it definitely needs airplay this weekend.

Posted by matt | June 30, 2011 9:23 AM

Suggestion for Summer Songs:
"Suck my ass baby" by Jill Riley
'I am a bloated asshole" by Steve Seel

Posted by maria | June 30, 2011 9:23 AM

In the Summertime - Rural Alberta Advantage

It's Summertime - Flaming Lips

A Summer Wasting - Belle & Sebastian

Posted by Melissa | June 30, 2011 9:24 AM

Lazybones- Leon Redbone

Posted by Aiden | June 30, 2011 9:26 AM

Sublime - Doin' Time

Posted by Oj | June 30, 2011 9:26 AM

Summertime blues - Eddie Cochran
Summer in the city - Regina Spektor

Posted by Christine | June 30, 2011 9:26 AM

G Love - Cold Beverage

Posted by Lyndee | June 30, 2011 9:28 AM

"Mysterious Ways" by U2 always reminds me of summer, perhaps because the album came out in later spring, iirc.

Also "Girl" by Beck for the "sun eyed girl."

Posted by Drae | June 30, 2011 9:29 AM

Oh! Definitely second 'In the Summertime' by RAA.

Posted by Christine | June 30, 2011 9:29 AM

I'd love to hear "Oh Yeah" by Ash, from their album "1977"; their reminiscing anthem about falling in love at the start of the summer has a special place in my heart.

Posted by John Moffatt | June 30, 2011 9:30 AM

Good Vibrations - The Beach Boys

Posted by wellst | June 30, 2011 9:32 AM

"In the Summertime" by Mungo Jerry

And I know it might be a stretch, but can you really leave out Gershwin's "Summertime"

Posted by Davis | June 30, 2011 9:39 AM

I saw the sign - Ace of Base
Returns the smell of perma-chlorine in my hair and wrinkled fingers from hours in the pool.

Posted by Kaye | June 30, 2011 9:40 AM

I'd like to request 'Samba de Bencao', by Bebel Gilberto...I'm pretty sure it's the perfect song for a lazy, summer night.

Posted by Tim | June 30, 2011 9:42 AM

I'd like to request:
1) Summertime by the Spanglish Morons.
2) Drinking Beer and Sleeping by the Smarmy Adolescents
AND
3) Good Summer Libation by Dora The Imbiber.
Txs

Posted by Ray | June 30, 2011 9:43 AM

Yeah somebody's bitter....
Oh well, she's the minority for sure, we love you guys; always fun to listen to.

I left the morning show for Dale Connely on Radio Heartland but when they let him go I came back and I'm glad I did!

Can't think of anything but the obvious for summer songs....

Keep up the good work!

Kate

Posted by Kate Goodson | June 30, 2011 9:43 AM

OK, one more. "School's Out" by Alice Cooper.

Posted by Drae | June 30, 2011 9:45 AM

This line in Soul Asylum's "Without a Trace" always makes me think of summer:
Standing in the sun with a Popsicle,
anything is possible

Posted by Erin | June 30, 2011 9:46 AM

Marathon by Tennis has totally been my song of summer this year!! It's about a secret cove, can you get more summery?

Sunny Afternoon by the kinks. real summery gold!

Posted by Lizzie | June 30, 2011 9:57 AM

Why the bitterness? It's summer! Have a cold drink and relax.

How about 'Steal My Sunshine' by Len?

Plenty of sunshine songs from The Obligatories, and surf and sand songs from The Beach Boys and Jan and Dean.

Posted by cal | June 30, 2011 10:03 AM

I would like to suggest Sunshine, by the Archies. A minor hit, right around 1970/1971, may have barely cracked the top 40.

You guys keep doing what you do. I have been working on a web site rebuilding project since Mid March for my business, and I have had you keeping me company streaming on my computer most of the time.
(even more so than my XM Radio).
Thanks!
ps: to Mary Lucia...love the No Apoligies tunes...Spice Girls, Hall & Oates Did It In A MInute, just great. keep em coming!

Posted by Joel H | June 30, 2011 10:06 AM

311 - Dont Tread on me

Posted by Nathan | June 30, 2011 10:17 AM

Living Stone - Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars

Fisherman - The Congos

Best listened to sitting on the front porch when it's too hot to be inside.

Posted by Jon Jaeger | June 30, 2011 10:45 AM

Flood of Sunshine by the Posies (Dear 23). Pretty much a self indulgent vehicle for a long guitar solo, but it reminds me of a lazy days up north in the early 1990's.

Posted by repotm | June 30, 2011 10:56 AM

Constructive Summer, Hold Steady

Mint Car, The Cure

Posted by @musicsnob_al_j | June 30, 2011 12:19 PM

I Was Made For Sunny Days - The Weepies is a favorite of mine for the summer.

Posted by Brianna | June 30, 2011 12:25 PM

Summer Time by Sublime. Anything by Sublime, really. ha

Posted by Shane | June 30, 2011 2:07 PM

Summertime by Will Smith. Gotta love that old school rap.

Posted by Maggie Eisenbeis | June 30, 2011 2:46 PM

Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks

Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

Sunshine Day by the Brady Bunch

You Belong to the City by Glenn Frye

Posted by Amy G. | June 30, 2011 3:29 PM

Best times walking the jack dog with friends strolling thur summer.

Posted by Darcy Belland | June 30, 2011 3:39 PM

Summer Grof -The Spinto Band
Swollen Summer - The Bravery

Posted by Sonya | June 30, 2011 5:55 PM

It's always better to have the holiday (or season) be a character in (or setting for) the song rather than the subject of the song (or the object of longing).

Ergo,
4th of July - Aimee Mann
Independence Day - Springsteen
Thunder Island - Jay Ferguson

Ignore the haters. Also the fundraisers/money-grabbers.

Posted by andy | June 30, 2011 10:10 PM

Absolute summer song is "You Are The Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne.

Spending my summer school studying time listening to some local music too this summer.

Loving this group from the University of St Thomas called Asker, like the National on prozac who goes to U2 for therapy. Dig their tune "Cathedral" a lot.

Also really into Two Harbors, love it whenever you guys play their stuff. Gemstones of local music, seen them a few times.

Moneygrabber by Fitz and the Tantrums too!!!!

Posted by Dennis | July 1, 2011 12:56 AM

Summertime by Sublime
Summertime by Josh Rouse

Posted by Sadie | July 1, 2011 8:01 AM

Ice Cream Man - John Brim

Posted by Mitch | July 1, 2011 8:16 AM

"Firecracker" by Ryan Adams

Posted by cal | July 1, 2011 9:20 AM

Mr. Campbell, please, please, please, play me a SUmmertime tune I just looooooooove:
It's call "In the SUmmertime" and it's by the Boston band JIZZ IN MY PANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND IN YOUR ARSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA

Posted by Lilly | July 1, 2011 9:25 AM

Does 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and the Waves count? #guiltypleasure

Posted by Matty | July 1, 2011 9:46 AM

Poor Little Fish by the Jayhawks 1997 Sound of lies.

Posted by Erick | July 1, 2011 10:10 AM

I forgot Summertime by The Sundays. A more perfect summer song you will never find.

Posted by Stephanie | July 1, 2011 10:43 AM

Okay, this is your friendly arm-chair DJ here and I have just recently made a CD of my favorite songs that make me think of summer. Here they are!
Summertime by The Sundays
Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince
Sir Duke by Stevie Wonder
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People
Dog Days by Florence and the Machine
Surf Champion by Coach Said Not To
Oogum Boogum by Brenton Wood
Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys
Arms of Harm by Haley Bonar
September Girls Big Star
Go Sadness by Shout Out Louds
As Days Go By by Billie Holiday
At The Stars by Better Than Ezra
Crazy by Cee Loo

Really, I could do tons more... But I'll spare you.

Posted by Angeleen | July 1, 2011 10:56 AM

One of my favorite (though sadly obscure) summer songs is In The Summer off of The Fastbacks' 1990 record Very, Very Powerful Motor. I love me some Kurt Bloch guitar pyrotechnics.

Posted by Andrew Pierce | July 1, 2011 2:51 PM

gotta have Cruel Summer- Bananarama All Apologies-Nirvana "In the Sun I Feel as One" Staring at the Sun-U2

Posted by M J Goldman | July 1, 2011 3:30 PM

My favorite summertime song right now is 'Ice Cream Castles' by The Time. It's a super fun song! PLUS - it's local being that The Time is from MPLS.

Posted by Eli Elizabeth | July 2, 2011 12:11 AM

I second 'Mint Car - The Cure' !!!

also 'Song For A Future Generation - The B-52's'

Posted by chris | July 2, 2011 12:27 AM

Angeleen, I love that BTE song you have on your list. (Your whole list is great, but I'm a fan of BTE and they never get enough love.) 'At the Stars' is perfect for summer nights!

Posted by cal | July 2, 2011 12:56 PM

Jane's Addiction: Summertime Rolls. Life was easy in high school sipping iced coffee and bellowing this song with friends.

Posted by Alethea Jameson Douah | July 2, 2011 2:45 PM

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